On Tuesday, Igboho hurriedly took pap at the hotel and led his team back into the forest- Vigilante

A week after Yoruba Nation activist Chief Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, declared his intention to rescue kidnapped individuals in his hometown of Igboho, Oyo State, and launched an operation into the Old Oyo National Park, the mission has encountered multiple setbacks and drawn public controversy.

As reported by The Nation, Igboho—recognized across South-West Nigeria for his firm opposition to rising insecurity—issued a two-hour ultimatum during a gathering at the palace of Ona Onibode, Oba AbdulRasheed Adetoyese. 

He demanded the release of people allegedly abducted from Igbope, a nearby community, accusing certain members of the Fulani community of involvement. 

Among the victims was a pregnant woman who reportedly died in captivity. Igboho warned that failure to secure their release would prompt direct action against suspected kidnappers in the area.

Shortly after the meeting, videos circulated online showing local residents celebrating, suggesting the hostages had been freed. However, both police and local government officials later refuted these claims, confirming the victims remained in captivity.

According to sources, Igboho’s actions followed growing frustration after his team reportedly used phone signals to track the kidnappers, only to lose their trail when the abductors shifted locations upon realizing they were being monitored.

He subsequently held talks with Fulani community leaders, urging them to facilitate the victims’ release within two hours, but the effort reportedly yielded no results.

After this failed attempt, Igboho led a group of over 40 men—including local hunters and vigilante members—into the Old Oyo National Park in search of the victims and those responsible. 

The park spans parts of Oyo and Kwara states and borders communities like Igboho and Igbope. In recent years, the region has seen increased activity from illegal miners and herders, contributing to deteriorating security conditions.

Tensions were further heightened by an interview given by a traditional ruler from Igboho to an international media outlet. 

The monarch stated the rescue effort had not succeeded and revealed that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of ₦150 million.

This reportedly angered Igboho, who reaffirmed to his team that he would not let setbacks undermine his resolve to protect his people and bring the victims home.

He was also said to have traveled to neighboring towns such as Kishi and Igbeti, where initial tracking efforts led the team to an area called Bani.

However, the dense and hazardous forest terrain made it impractical for the group to camp overnight. 

Due to the lack of essential equipment and the threat posed by wild animals, Igboho opted to house the rescue team in a private lodging facility in town while operations continued.

“There are more than 20,000 Fulani herders from various groups inside the forest. During the day, many appear peaceful, but the situation can change at night,” a member of the vigilante group explained. 

“Without proper gear or nighttime protection, staying in the forest is too risky. That’s why Igboho chose to base the team in a hotel.”

“The team returned late Monday evening, but early Tuesday morning, alaye (Igboho) quickly ate a meal of pap outside the hotel and immediately headed back into the forest with his men,” the source added. 

“Despite his wealth and status, he’s personally leading this operation without backing from any government or security agency—his commitment continues to inspire us.”